William Cargile, III

Personal Life

William Cargile, III was born in Union Springs, Alabama, to William II and Anna Pearl Youngblood Cargile. His birth date is April 28, 1927.

 Growing up, William enjoyed playing softball with his brothers during his free time from school. At the age of 18, he left home to join the Army at the end of World War II. Following several years of military service, William made a brief stop in Cincinnati, Ohio to visit his brother in 1946 before continuing to California, where he planned to reside with his other siblings. Ultimately, he stayed in Cincinnati.

This is where he met Novella Thompson, who would soon become his loving wife in 1951. To this union, four children were born: Carol Jean, William IV, Kimberly Ann and Jeffrey Rosevelt.

He accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at a Baptist Church in Union Springs. He later joined Bethlehem Baptist Church in Cincinnati under the pastorate of Rev. A.H. Johnson, where he sang in the Male Chorus. Later, he joined Union Baptist Church, Cincinnati under the pastorate of Rev. Orlando B. Yates, where his wife was already a member.

William took great pleasure in spending time with his family, often showering his children with lavish gifts and memorable vacations. He especially enjoyed playing cards — often with “little regard for the rules” — and checkers with his father-in-law, the late LaSalle Thompson, Sr. His hobbies included dancing, golfing, visiting casinos and traveling with family. Jamaica was his favorite vacation destination, a place that captured his fascination.

 He was a member of St. John’s Masonic Lodge #3.

William was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Novella, with whom he shared 73 wonderful years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his parents and all ten siblings: Walter, Melton, Golden, Obie Lee, Ozie, Queenie, Cassie, Glister Mae, Minnie Pearl and Eva — each of whom held a special place in his heart.

 He leaves to cherish his memories, his children: Carol J., William IV, Kimberly A. Cargile-Watson (Jack), Jeffrey R. Sr. (Shawna) and Jimmie; his sisters-in-law, Laura E. Thompson and Ethel Thompson; grandchildren: Jeffrey R. Jr. (Jennifer) and Tristan R.; great-grandchildren: Justice Rose and Jeffrey R. III; several nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives whom he enjoyed being around. 

Professional Career

 Mr. Cargile was the Founder and President of Wm. Cargile Contractor, Inc., a company recognized as one of the most successful minority-owned businesses in Cincinnati and nationwide. His professional journey in Cincinnati began as a cement finisher with Weston Waterproofing. Motivated by his entrepreneurial drive and a desire to provide for his family, he launched his own home-based construction business in 1956, starting with just a pickup truck and a handful of tools.

 William’s dedication and work ethic earned him his first contract with the Nurre Brothers, who valued his high standards of workmanship. His commitment helped to remove barriers for minority firms, paving the way for their inclusion in contracts with majority companies. In doing so, he became a trailblazer in the construction industry.

 Over time, Mr. Cargile’s business expanded into a multi-faceted company, employing nearly 100 people and specializing in general construction, construction management, design-build, general construction and renovation. Wm. Cargile Contractor, Inc. achieved an average annual revenue of approximately $100 million.

 Some of the company’s notable projects include:

- Renovation and expansion of the Cincinnati Convention Center

- Renovation of Cincinnati Union Terminal into the new Museum Center, which received the 1990 “Build-America Award” for quality renovation/restoration

- Renovation of the Sixth District School in Cincinnati into the Elm Street Health Center

- Construction of the U.S. Veterans Administration 200-bed Domiciliary, the first major project by a minority contractor in the Midwest

- Construction of the Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce, Ohio

- The historic renovation of Findlay Street Market, the first contract awarded to a minority contractor by the City of Cincinnati

- Construction of Tryed Stone Missionary Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio

- Co-Construction Manager of the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati, Ohio

Industry Leadership

Mr. Cargile was a pioneer in the construction industry, open-ing doors for other minorities and advocating for equality as President and CEO of Wm. Cargile Contractors. He overcame significant challenges and consistently proved his company’s capability to complete major construction projects.

 Wm. Cargile Contractor, Inc. was the first African American construction firm to perform public work for several government agencies, including: City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, City of Norwood, City of St. Bernard, Hamil-ton, County Engineers, City of Lincoln Heights, U.S. Veterans Administration in Cincinnati, Dayton and Chillicothe, Ohio, U.S. Corps of Engineers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Elsmere, Kentucky.

This pioneering work not only opened doors for future minority-owned firms, but also contributed to increased diversity and inclusion within the construction industry in Ohio and Kentucky.

 William Cargile’s professional achievements are numerous. He was a founding member and the first President of the Black Contractors/United Minority Contractors Association, which became a national model for minority contractors.

 He received several awards and recognitions, most notable the U.S. Small Business Administration’s “Small Businessman of the Year” Award and recipient of the 11th Annual Celebration of Construction Lifetime Achievement Award by The Spirit of Construction Foundation of Greater Cincinnati, Inc. (October 2006). In 2015, he was honored with the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame Award.

 Furthering the Industry

 Mr. Cargile dedicated himself to advancing opportunities for minority businesses through subcontracting, mentoring, training and assisting with administrative requirements. He played a pivotal role in helping many small businesses in the region get their start. Additionally, he supported his employees’ growth, encouraging them to learn various aspects of the business and pursue their full potential in fields such as engineering, drafting, craftsmanship and project management. Many former employees have gone on to successfully establish their own construction companies.

Community Contributions

 William Cargile is highly respected as a trailblazer in both the minority and business communities. His commitment to giving back is widely admired. With over sixty years of experience in construction and expertise in economic development and procurement processes has enabled him to support small and disadvantaged business enterprises in achieving economic self-sufficiency.

His numerous civic awards and contributions include participating on the City of Cincinnati’s Mayor’s Economic Development Task Force Committee and contributing to the City’s Equal Business Opportunity Program (EBOP) Committee.

He earned recognition from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for his participation in the C&H Estates Project in Lincoln Heights, Ohio.

His dedication to youth sports and activities included serving as a Boy Scout Master for Pack 292, sponsoring the Avondale Lions T-Ball team (World Series Champions) and supporting the Little Red Machine Football teams, Cargile Comets Baseball team, Cargile/Johnson Reds Baseball team and Mt. Healthy Women’s Softball team.

Lifetime Legacy

 The name William Cargile, III is recognized nationwide for excellence and achievement. Wm. Cargile Contractor, Inc. and its affiliated enterprises were built on principles of honesty, sound business judgment, a deep understanding of client needs and an unwavering will to succeed. Mr. Cargile’s distinguished career in construction and his pioneering role in the minority business community have left a historic and immeasurable impact on both the industry and the Cincinnati community.

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